OAG says EC should review decision to hold snap election

Budsarakham Sinlapalawan
The Nation January 9, 2014 6:07 pm

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has suggested the Election Commission (EC) review the decision to hold a snap election on February 2, as it could end up being a waste of state funds, Auditor General adviser Pisit Leelavachiropas told The Nation Thursday.

The request was made in an urgent letter sent to Election Commission chairman Supachai Somcharoen on Wednesday. In the letter, the OAG expressed its concerns over the use of Bt3.8 billion in state funds to hold the election. There was a high possibility that the money would go to waste, the letter said.

"To ensure the most efficient use of the funds and to prevent damages, we suggest the EC reconsider holding the election," the letter read.

Pisit said the OAG feared that if a snap election was held on February 2, the political situation may prevent the new administration from being able to convene a House session. Alternatively, a House dissolution could end up being called within one year after the election, meaning that the state funds would be squandered.

However, Pisit said the EC was not obliged to follow the OAG's advice, as it was not legally binding.

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